A fast-moving wildfire in western Canada has forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes across British Columbia after burning out of control. The fire broke out on Friday and doubled in size within a few hours, prompting provincial authorities to declare a state of emergency.
According to the British Columbia Wildfire Service, the blaze located in Bald Range has expanded to cover an area of more than 95 square kilometers, or approximately 5,000 hectares. Firefighters reported that the wildfire remained out of control on Saturday morning as dry conditions and rapid movement threatened nearby communities.
Evacuation orders and power outages
Emergency officials issued an immediate evacuation order for the entire district of Summerland, requiring all 12,000 residents to leave their properties. An additional 8,000 residents in the neighboring town of Peachland were also ordered to evacuate as the fire advanced toward populated areas.
Municipal officials in Summerland confirmed early Saturday that electricity had been shut off across the entire town. The BBC reported that authorities have not yet determined how many buildings or homes have been damaged or destroyed by the flames.
Livestock rescue efforts in Okanagan
The wildfire has also threatened livestock throughout the broader Okanagan region, where many residents keep horses. Local owners worked quickly to transport their animals to safer ground outside the path of the fire.
Residents who were unable to evacuate their horses in time left farm gates open. Owners expressed hope that the loose animals would be able to escape the approaching flames and find safety on their own.
